Bhopal: Suruchi Prakashan organised the launch of Hum Aur Yah Vishwa, the new book by senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Pracharak Dr Manmohan Vaidya, at Ravindra Bhavan. The event featured extensive discussions on Bharat’s foundational concepts, self-pride, cultural consciousness and Bharat’s long-standing tradition of study and intellectual inquiry.
Present on the occasion were Shri Riteśhwar Ji Maharaj, Peethadheeshwar of Anandam Dham Ashram, Vrindavan; former Vice President of Bharat Jagdeep Dhankhar; Group Editor of Dainik Jagran Vishnu Tripathi; Chairman of Suruchi Prakashan Rajiv Tuli; and author Dr Manmohan Vaidya.
Dr Manmohan Vaidya: “Bharat must first be accepted, then understood, then lived, and only then can it be built.”
Dr Vaidya spoke about Bharatiya identity, the importance of study and the need for meaningful discourse. He said that before building the nation, Bharatiyas must first accept Bharat as it is, then understand it, then become one with its ethos, and thereafter contribute to building it.
He began by recalling the incident that inspired him to write the book. When Pranab Mukherjee was invited to address the RSS’s Third-Year Training Camp, some people opposed it without reason. This episode encouraged him to write and engage with society. He also shared that between June 1 and 6, 2018 alone, 378 people had requested to meet him, showing the growing curiosity about the RSS.
Dr Vaidya said that unwarranted criticism of the RSS often ends up increasing its acceptance. He cited the example of the “Join RSS” website, noting that in October of that year alone, 48,890 individuals applied to volunteer. This reflects a broader social transformation and rising interest in the organisation.
Discussing the concept of Bharat, he emphasised the need to examine ideas that shape our thinking. Referring to the popular song “Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara”, he explained that lines like “Hum bulbule hain iski” push society away from its civilisational self-awareness. He said it is incorrect to claim that Bharat has “cultural diversity”; instead, there is one culture expressed in diverse forms. These diversities are branches of a single cultural root, not alternatives to it.
He also noted that the idea of a welfare state is not indigenous to Bharat, it is imported from the West. Bharat’s traditional system has always been rooted in community-based responsibility. The book, he said, is divided into four important sections, each offering fresh perspectives on Bharat’s contemporary discourses.
“Study is the foundation of Bharat’s tradition” — Vishnu Tripathi
Vishnu Tripathi, Group Editor of Dainik Jagran, said the book is not meant only to be placed on shelves at homes or libraries; but to be studied, reflected upon and interpreted. Bharat’s traditions, he emphasised, are not based on a single text or one doctrine. Numerous streams of knowledge exist here, and Bharatiya spirituality is born from study and contemplation.
He stated that debates like whether Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra arise only from a lack of study. Once pride in Bharat and its civilisational identity is internalised, such questions naturally dissolve. Quoting Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he noted that the Guru was a devoted worshipper of Ram Naam and openly criticised Babur in his compositions. Carrying the message of Ram Naam, Guru Nanak had reached Baghdad, which is an evidence of the depth and expanse of Bharatiya spirituality.
“This book will awaken those who are asleep” – Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that speaking about the book in Bhopal was a matter of honour for him. He described Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa as not just a book, but a mirror to Bharat’s glorious past and a guide for nation-building. He said it is a collection of eight years of experience and includes two significant essays on Pranab Mukherjee.
Explaining why he chose to speak in English, he said, “I am speaking in English so that even those who do not wish to acknowledge Bharat’s positive transformation can clearly and directly understand the reality of today’s Bharat.” He noted that Bharat is rapidly changing, progressing in every field, and emerging on the global stage as a strong, confident and decisive nation.
Suruchi Prakashan: A Growing Intellectual Tradition
At the beginning of the programme, Suruchi Prakashan Chairman Rajiv Tuli introduced the publication house’s traditions and future vision. He said Suruchi Prakashan continues to publish books, research works and ideological content on important aspects of Bharatiya social life.
He shared that forthcoming months will see major publications on subjects such as Wokeism, the Panch Parivartan framework and other significant intellectual issues. Reading Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa, he said, feels like entering into a direct dialogue with the text itself.
He added that although the English edition of the book was released earlier, the current Hindi edition includes several new and detailed insights. The book is extremely valuable for reading, understanding and interpreting major contemporary discourses.
The programme was attended by prominent citizens, social workers and representatives from the intellectual community. Senior litterateur Dr Sadhana Balwate conducted the event. Ankur Pathak proposed a vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the recitation of Vande Mataram.
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